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Bellmore • Merrick MA A IILL EED D TO OVER 223,000 33,,00000 HOMES H MES HO MAILED

VOLUME 44, NUMBER 7

IN PRIN PRINT & ONLINE

MAY 2017

JERUSALEM AVENUE SCHOOL ON SELLING BLOCK?

CAR SHOW IS BACK IN TOWN

Celebrating Mother's Day EAGLE SCOUT WORKS ON WAR MEMORIAL PROJECT


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NEWS

Your NewsMag

MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

Opposition Seeks to Stop Construction of Church Center Charity and education are major focuses of new building

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group of 60 Merrick residents attended a pointed meeting at the Merrick Library last month to voice their opposition to St. Demetrios Church on Hewlett Avenue building a 25,684 square-foot facility that would act as the church’s cultural center. The building would necessitate tearing down several homes on the south side of Annette Drive, homes that have been purchased by the church in anticipation of moving forward with construction on the cultural center. Opposition against building the new center appears strong, as hundreds more living in proximity to the new building are said to be against it, as well. At the meeting Drew Bergman told Your NewsMag the church is asking for permission to build on the property to use not simply to practice its religion, but to practice its culture. “That

is a use that would not benefit the community as a whole,” Bergman said. St. Demetrios is a Greek Orthodox parish attending to the faithful within the Merricks and the Bellmores, and in surrounding communities. With a request by the church to the Town of Hempstead’s zoning Board of Appeals for off-street parking for 140 vehicles - in addition to a new 110-space parking lot that would be built, resident John Fitzgerald, a Realtor, calls it “a commercial building coming into a residential community.” Resident Coreen Cellana agreed, saying “This is a commercial property that will ruin the character of this small tight-knit family-oriented neighborhood.” “The fact is, this new building will increase traffic in the neighborhood and impact all of Merrick,” said Stephanie Fein.

Jeff Toback, attorney for the neighborhood group who argued on behalf of them at the April 26 zoning Board of Appeals hearing, pointed to paragraph 2 (b), subsection 3, in S. 267 of New York State Town Law, which states “that the requested use variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.” He argued that the new cultural center would in fact drastically alter the character of the neighborhood, and that the town’s own laws clearly protect against such intrusions, as well. He also entered into evidence the Nassau County Planning Commission’s own rejection of the plan as being counter to the well-being of the community. The Planning Commission, in rejecting the variance applications after visiting the site, concluded: “The proposal represents an over-intensifica-

Homes will be torn down to accommodate church's new center tion of a non-residential use in a residential neighborhood and the encroachment of said use into a residential neighborhood; The proposed cultural center at two stories and 25,684 square feet is out of scale with the surrounding single family homes and may create visual impact for the surrounding residents; and the project may have a potential impact on the residential neighborhood in terms of aesthetics, traffic congestion during

certain times, on-street parking congestion (60% parking shortfall) and, at certain times, noise and illumination.”

CENTER A NORMAL EXTENSION OF ACTIVITIES Bill Bonesso, attorney for the church, agreed with those opposed that the cultural center would be an extension of the activities of a religious group, such as classrooms for [CONT. ON PAGE 11] teaching,

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NEWS

VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

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North Bellmore Public Library Closes In On New Temporary Home DOUGLAS FINLAY

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alling libraries “the people’s universities,” North Bellmore Public Library Board of Trustees President Dr. Ethna Lay said the board hoped to open a new temporary library by June that would operate for the next 12-14 months while groundbreaking work is done to the existing North Bellmore Public Library to expand its services and reach into the community. “We have been underserving the community” with the size of our building, remarked Library Director Tom Bazzicalupo to Your NewsMag during an interview with Dr. Lay. The current 13,367 square-foot building at 1551 Newbridge Road is set to undergo a complete renovation that will add 4000 square feet to the existing structure based on an $8.9 million bond passed by residents in 2015. New construction will be built as a “wrap” around the building, enabling the interior to be reconstructed outward to fill the added space and expand to the new dimensions. Among the many new features expected include the addition of

a second community room that will feature a raised stage – or platform - for performing arts and other performances. The children’s room will be expanded to serve children with special needs, offer a dedicated program room and provide more open space for reading and interactions. “We’ll be able to accommodate up to three different groups within the children’s room day or night,” said Library Director Tom Bazzicalupo. A fireplace will adorn the open-space architecture to promote a more intimate environment for reading or browsing the nearby DVD collections or book stacks. Vending machines will be placed for patrons to snack on favorite items. Dr. Lay even suggested a new veterans’ memorial concourse will be designed for easier access to both a veterans memorial monument on the Newbridge Road School grounds, and a memorial on the south side of the library to all those memorialized on 9-11. Meanwhile, a temporary library of 3000 square feet is slated to be set up in an old basketball court

Site of new temporary library between the BMRHA rink and 1602 Bellmore Avenue, and is awaiting approval from the New York State Department of Education. Four large pre-fabricated buildings similar to offices at construction sites will be placed in the parking lot that will connect together, serving as the temporary library. Bazzicalupo said negotiations broke down on several locations trustees had expressed interest in leasing for library space, because owners of those properties requested longer lease times. Once the construction is completed, Dr. Lay said an additional 49 parking spaces will become

available to patrons of the library, as well as employees of Newbridge Road School. Your NewsMag reported in 2015 that the $8.9 million bond that passed in May would cost taxpayers an additional $71.10 a year, or $5.93 per month, and would be financed over 15 years. The new 4000 square-foot “wrap” addition to the library will use large-scale energy-efficient non-glare glass windows to allow more natural light into the building, providing a “better sense of connection to the community.” The Young Adults Department was being designed to be placed in a glass-enclosed structure behind the circulation desk, with more comfortable seating- such as lounge chairs - being added to encourage more group studies was also considered. Additionally, a new parking lot or circular driveway at the front of

the building would provide for quick access to the Veterans Memorial Monument. Stephanie Cohen, president of Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library, told Your NewsMag they cancelled book sales in anticipation of the library’s closing. Friends of the North Bellmore Public Library have raised thousands of dollars for the library over the years, she said, including purchase of the piano in the community room. “We will continue our book discussions,” she continued, although she may take the discussions into local cafes and restaurants instead. Stu Weinstein, long-time president of the North Bellmore Civic Association, said it appears the size of the temporary library may only be room enough to store its media collections and books. “If library meetings take place outside in cafes and restaurants, it could create a welcome economic uptick in the area,” he concluded. The 69-member Calhoun High School Wind Ensemble recently returned home from Disney World in Florida after taking the Best in Class award in the Festival Disney Concert Band in the Triple A (school size) division. “This is the first time the wind ensemble has won their division in their seven visits dating back to 2005,” said Band Director Edward Tumminelli.


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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

Your NewsMag

☞ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES 2-14: NEWS Opposition seeks to stop construction of church center, North Bellmore Public Library closes in on temporary home, BOCES interested in purchasing Jerusalem Avenue School, Bellmore Kiwanis holds annual pancake breakfast, school budgets below 3% cap, traffic slowdowns expected on Sunrise Highway

PAGE16: SCOUTING Scout seeks to place memorial at Bellmore Vets Park Bellmore Life Scout John Benson III heard enough stories of his great grandfather’s, his grandfather’s and his father’s bravery in the military that he’s decided to erect a memorial monument to soldiers who have yet to have their own monument

PAGE 19: COVER – SPRING DINING Spring dining opens up - to celebrate Mother Spring’s in full bloom and diners will be excited once again to get out and into milder weather to discover – and indeed indulge - in the newest and latest creations from all the wellknown local chefs. Many will help you celebrate Mother’s Day, too PLUS: The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation to honor Merrick’s Dr. Gary Morgenstern, the North Merrick School District awaits word from the State Education Department to begin work on its $14,650,000 bond in summer, Kiwanis to present awards to three outstanding high school – and MAP – students, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrick is celebrating 100 years this May

WHO’S WHO AT YOUR NEWSMAG Advertising and Publishing

Online Erin Donohue

Jill Bromberg

Editing and Reporting Doug Finlay

Contact us with story ideas and news at: edit@yournewsmag.com info@yournewsmag.com To advertise, Jill@yournewsmag.com

Phone: 516-633-8590 P.O. Box 15, Bellmore, New York 11710

Bellmore • Merrick

Spring Out of Cabin Fever With the weather beginning to warm up it’s time to finally get out of the house and cure that cabin fever! Mother’s Day is just around the corner and what better reason to go out than to celebrate moms! Give mom a break and take her out for a sumptuous dinner. Several local restaurants have Mother’s Day brunch and dinner specials. There are many restaurant options, some with a water view, others with cozy or unique dining areas. One thing is certain, there are great choices that mom and the entire family will enjoy. One Eagle Scout project aims to celebrate veterans with a new memorial to remember and honor them for the ultimate sacrifice they gave during Desert Storm, the Iraq and Afghan conflicts – even the Cold War. Find out how you can contribute to this worthy cause so the memorial can be unveiled shortly before Memorial Day. Memorial Day celebrations in remembrance of all who died while serving in our country’s armed forces will be on May 29. Bellmore will hold its parade to include the North Bellmore Veterans Monument and Bellmore Veterans Park, while Merokians will parade up to the Merrick Veterans monument on Merrick Avenue, across from Camp Avenue School. On Memorial Day, the flag should be hung at half-staff until noon, when it should be raised to the top of the staff. One of my family favorite events in the Spring is the Friday Night Car Show at the Bellmore train station. Starting this Friday, May 5, from 6-to-10 p.m. you can enjoy strolling through the train station parking lot checking out the many classic cars while seeing friends and neighbors you likely haven’t seen during the winter months. Don’t forget to take a walk

through the town for a bite to eat. My family likes to end the night at the Bellmore Bean for a cup a joe and some live music. The North Bellmore Public Library is scheduled to be under complete renovations for the next year to 14 months. To serve the community while under renovations, a new temporary library will be opened using pre-fabricated buildings. St. Demetrios church in Merrick seeks approval to build a new cultural center to serve the needs of parishioners. Some community members express concerns and oppose the project. BOCES would like to purchase the Jerusalem Avenue school, but the B-MCHSD Board of Education is interested in what you think. They invite members of the community to share their thoughts on selling the school to BOCES – or other interested parties - so the interests of the community can be best served. Your NewsMag is delivered to every home in the Bellmores and Merricks free of charge because you live here and are residents in the communities. Advertising support pays for Your NewsMag, so please support participating businesses by shopping locally. If you know something that is newsworthy, please let us know. If your business is having an anniversary or someone in your family is celebrating a special occasion, we want to know. After all, your news is our news! Please join us on Facebook and visit www.YourNewsMag.com for updates throughout the month. Jill Bromberg PUBLISHER 516-633-8590 Jill@YourNewsMag.com


VOL.4 â„–7 | MAY 2017

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Your NewsMag

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NEWS

VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

BOCES Interested in Purchasing Jerusalem Avenue School

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embers of the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District listened to attendees challenge the board’s plan to sell the school building to Nassau BOCES, which currently leases the building for $1.3 million annually, at a special meeting set up to discuss sale of its Jerusalem Avenue School in North Bellmore. While BOCES has leased the school for pre-k and other educational services for the last 19 years, several in attendance asked why the district wasn’t reviewing other potential buyers, such as developers who could bring vastly larger sources of revenue to the district than the $12 million agreed to by the district and BOCES.

District Superintendent John DeTommaso maintains that revenues from the sale would be put into a reserve fund for tax reduction that would go specifically toward lowering annual tax levies in the district for the next 10 years, while lowering budgetary constraints over the same time period. “Should the board be exploring other possible bidders to keep tax-

es in the Bellmore-Merrick district”? one attendee asked. Still another asked if the board has solicited other bids. District Superintendent John DiTommaso responded “no.” Concern was palpable among attendees John Ferrara and Joann Erhard, who told the board they didn’t want the district giving the [CONT. ON PAGE 8] “asset away.”

Your NewsMag

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Dear Members of the Bellmore-Merrick Community,

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ast month the Board of Education hosted a community forum concerning the potential sale of the Jerusalem Avenue School to Nassau BOCES. The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has owned the Jerusalem Avenue property since 1954, and Nassau BOCES has rented the property from Bellmore-Merrick for the last 19 years. During the course of the community forum, John DeTommaso, our superintendent of schools, fielded questions from the community on the board’s intent to put the sale of the building up for a referendum in the Fall. Members of the community were encouraged to express their opinions concerning the potential sale of the property. The board is interested in receiving additional input from the community concerning the potential sale of Jerusalem Avenue School. We encourage members of the community to express your opinions on this matter. Written statements may be submitted to the district clerk at 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York 11566. Comments may also be emailed to the Board at BMCHSDBOE@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us or to John DeTommaso at jdetommaso@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us We encourage the community to share your input with the board in order that the board may make an informed decision concerning this matter. Janet Goller, President Bellmore-Merrick CHSD Board of Education

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NEWS

Your NewsMag

BOCES INTERESTED IN PURCHASING JERUSALEM AVENUE SCHOOL [CONT. FROM PAGE 7]

“Stop & Shop was going to build a super center at the corner of Jerusalem Avenue and Newbridge Road, but couldn’t purchase the county’s traffic building” to expand the acreage needed to build the new center, Erhard said. “Why not contact them?” Ferrara suggested that in five-to-10 years BOCES could put the school building up for sale to a developer for $80 million or more, and the Bellmore-Merrick district would receive none of the tax revenues. While it was noted to the board that “no developer would take that property without the fields,” bolstering an outlook that BOCES couldn’t sell the property if it wanted to, another attendee, identified only as Joe - touting commercial real estate experience - disagreed, saying developers could purchase the school building without the fields. But Eric B. Schultz, BOCES board president in attendance, remarked that “BOCES has no intention of selling the school building in the

MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

er that the district has been in negotiation with BOCES for well over a year, and it is in a good financial position to purchase the school building at present, inferring there may only be a limited window with BOCES to get a deal done. He said the building presently was in need of $15.3 million in capital improvements to bring it up to other district school building architectural The field will still be owned by the school district standards, standards now being addressed and achieved through future.” He said the school is centrally located the $50 million bond issue. Selling the properin providing services to residents, and to sell ty to a long-standing leasee would reduce the property would require the approval of all maintenance costs to help drive down the school districts that pay for BOCES services. budget. “We want to see if we can actually build up CONTINGENT UPON FIELD and out” with the school building by adding Agreement to sell the school building to new facilities, he continued. BOCES is contingent on the district being able CHSD board member Lisa Katz raised a question about the school building being sold to maintain ownership of the five-acre athletic field on the property’s western flank, to once in BOCES’ ownership: “Our students continue to use for its various athletic teams, from Bellmore and Merrick go to that school, and to be able to continue to lease to PAL where would they go” if the school was sold? leagues. Another attendee, who has worked at DiTommaso said the other fields surroundBOCES, told the board “BOCES is not in the ing the school building – the school field in business of flipping school buildings.” back of the building that holds the annual DiTommaso told those in attendance earli-

Strawberry Festival and other PAL activities – would become BOCES property, and usage of the field(s) subject to BOCES approval. When one attendee asked if losing a school building would hurt the district should enrollment increase substantially in the future, DiTommaso said that all verifiable and reliable metrics for measuring population growth and spikes suggested there would not be sufficient growth in the Bellmore-Merrick communities to warrant reopening Jerusalem Avenue School in the future. “Enrollment has gone down or flattened out, so Jerusalem Avenue will not be needed,” he said. He added there are fewer enrollments now than there were just four years ago. During the meeting Cheri Donnelly-McQullan, president of the Mepham Sports Boosters, cautioned the board the grass field is as safe as the previous school fields before the nearly $50 million bond helped replace those fields with synthetic turf. “The field is full of dirt and divots, and it is an embarrassment for everyone to have to play on them,” she said. There are no bleachers to sit on, she added, and the field is used by every sporting team. DiTommaso disagreed, saying “We didn’t embarrass anyone.” He said the district had just put a new scoreboard up, costing $20,000. DOUGLAS FINLAY

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NEWS

VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

Your NewsMag

Mepham Pirate students helped serve breakfast to Bellmore Kiwanis members recently at Applebee's. Included in photo are state Senator John Brooks and county Legislator Steve Rhoads

Bellmore Kiwanis held its annual fundraising breakfast at Applebee's to raise funds for its camp and other student items. As always, there were raffles galore... PHOTOS BY D. FINLAY

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VOL.4 â„–7 | MAY 2017

OPPOSITION SEEKS TO STOP CONSTRUCTION OF CHURCH CENTER [ďƒ¨CONT. FROM PAGE 2]

meeting rooms for community activities and a gymnasium for sports, but said there are hundreds of Greek Orthodox worshippers within the two communities, and it would serve those residents. “The church thrives each Sunday with parishioners from Merrick and Bellmore,� he said, adding there are parishioners in Merrick who walk to the church each Sunday. “There are Greek athletic leagues presently in the communities, as well,� he added, and the gymnasium would serve their needs. He further pointed to the fact that the church and cultural center would operate at different times of the week, so traffic would not be a mitigating factor. He planned to bring both real estate and traffic experts to bolster defense of the cultural center. Father Nikiforos Fakinos, spiritual father the parish, told Your NewsMag the relationship of the center to the community is similar to those seen at temples and churches within the communities. “Cure of Ars in Merrick and the Temple Beth Ohr in Bellmore thrive as sanctuaries with

In & Around ‌ KESTENBAUM FOUNDATION AWARD PRESENTATION: The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation will hold a special event on Thursday, June 1, at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho to present Dr. Gary Morgenstern of Merrick with the Lightning Award, as part of the foundation’s Decade of Difference. Dr. Morganstern is a lifelong Bellmore/ Merrick resident who practices in Merrick, and has been the guiding light in the formation of the JFK High School Alumni Association in memory to his late brother. He is also a founding member of the local band Kamellot. The foundation is seeking those who can donate gift baskets, and gift certificates for services such as spas, beauty salons, dental services and merchandise valued at $100 or $200. Contact carolkestenbaumfoundation.org‌ SCHOOL BOND WORK: The North Merrick School District is awaiting word from the New York State Department of Education to continue work regarding its $14,650,000 capital bond, passed by residents in May 2015. “We have put out Requests For Proposals bids to fix the boilers in the three schools, as well as the windowsâ€? during the summer, Thomas P. McDaid, assistant superintendent for business and operations told Your NewsMag‌ YARD SALE: On Saturday, May

Your NewsMag

centers to give their parishioners not only spiritual guidanceâ€? but help in many charitable and educational activities, as well. He mentioned providing food to food shelters and using the kitchen to provide meals for those who need them, as well as providing education to the young and old - and giving spiritual guidance. Nick Poulikidis, president of the Parish Council and a Kennedy High School graduate, told Your NewsMag the idea of the center is to keep youth together and give them community ideas to work toward, such as giving back to the community and staying within the community to help make it thrive. He said the center will be an excellent place for youth to help in fundraising activities for the community, such as helping to raise funds for people in the community who may need medical assistance. Sunday School teacher Jim Golding noted that larger classrooms in the new facility would help centralize teaching. “The old Sunday School classrooms are rooms scattered throughout an old house,â€? inferring there was no singular central location in which to gather children for educational enrichment. He, too, noted that Cure of Ars and St. Barnabas churches have comprehensive facilities in which to fully educate students in a centralized setting while providing a variety of activities for them, such as Temple Beth Am in Merrick does. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merrick United Methodist Church will hold a church wide yard sale together with Progressive School of Long Island's annual World Day Event. All kinds of items are for sale, from ethnic foods, arts and crafts, performances. The church is at 1425 North Merrick Avenue, one-half mile north of Camp Avenue and south of Southern State Parkway. For further information call the church 378-9222 ‌ GARAGE SALE: Temple Israel of South Merrick Sisterhood will hold an indoor garage (rummage) sale on Sunday. May 7, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the temple, 2655 Clubhouse Road, in Merrick. Items will include baby things, knick-knacks, housewares, clothes, shoes and a host of new items. For information call 378-1963, or email to tisomerrick@ aol.com ‌ RATEPAYER RELIEF?: LICAWS, the Merrick-based environmental group, is seeking tax assessment relief from Nassau County for NYAmerican Water properties, which LICAWS says could bring residential water costs down to residents served by the water company... DRUG TAKE-BACK: The Bellmore-Merrick School District will host a Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Grand Avenue Middle School, 2301 Grand Avenue, Bellmore. Sponsors will include the Parent Community Center, state Senator John Brooks and state Assemblyman Dave McDonough, and county Legislator Steve Rhoads. [CONT. ON PAGE 22ďƒ¨]

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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 â„–7

Your NewsMag

START YOUR SHOPPING HERE! SHOP LOCAL! The Chamber of the Commerce of the Bellmores A Step Above Stairbuilder, LLC ............................................679-2622 A&L&J Service Center Inc ...................................................409-4433 Advantage Acupuncture Therapy PC ...................................313-5052 AG Electrical Supply Co Inc .................................................221-2209 All Island Yellow Cab ............................................................785-0412 Allied Account Services, Inc .................................................783-9500 Ammel Construction Corp. ...................................................221-4081 Andersen's Spring & Welding Corp. .....................................785-7337 Angelo L. Buonomo, CPA .....................................................993-3085 Arby's ..................................................................................308-4535 As You Wish Parties, LLC .....................................................590-7878 Bedford & Mane ...................................................................221-5253 Bedford Ave Deli ...................................................................783-0155 Bedford Stationery ...............................................................221-2234 Bedford Wine & Liquor .........................................................785-0268 Bellmore Automotive Inc. ......................................................783-1188 Bellmore Florist: The Petite Florist Inc. ..................................221-3749 Bellmore Herald Life ............................................................569-4000 Bellmore Knights of Columbus #3689 ..................................785-9407 Bellmore Lions Club ................................................bellmorelions.org Bellmore Memorial Library ...................................................785-2990 Bellmore Movies & The Showplace ......................................783-3199 Bellmore Republican Club ...................................................783-0330 Bellmore United Methodist Nursery School ..........................221-1483 Bellmore Veterinary Hospital ...............................................308-4050 Bellmore Village Chiropractic & Wellness ............................809-9191 Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers......................992-1068 Brucia, Tom, Certified Financial Planner ..............................521-7362 Bryker Heating and Discounted Fuel Oil Corp. .....................826-0300 Built Well Solar Corp ............................................................695-1000 Carvalhos Restaurant .........................................................679-3300 Cary Construction, Inc. ........................................................679-5107 Centigrade Heating & Cooling Corp. ....................................826-9273 Centore Chiropractic ............................................................679-0900 Century 21 Dallow ................................................................679-0133 Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores....................(516) 679-1875 Cherrywood Foot Care Group ..............................................826-9000 ChiroMom ............................................................................221-1212 Clair S. Bartholomew & Son Inc. ..........................................785-0225 Cohen & Mason CPA's .........................................................679-1970 Coldwell Banker ...................................................................809-1000 Community Parent Center ....................................................771-9346 Congregation Beth Ohr ........................................................781-3072 Cozy Cocoon ..............................................................(212) 660-9935 Creative Arts De esi sign ign g Studio .................................................606-6217 Design

CWC Security LLC ..............................................................889-3600 Danny's Chinese Kitchen .....................................................783-9000 David Paul Weiss Esq. .......................................... ..............783-0330 Dear Little Dollies Ltd. ..........................................................679-0164 Dime Community Bank ........................................................221-6000 Doc Side Marine ..................................................................221-9818 Dr Christopher R. Scheno,OD,PLLC ....................................409-2020 Dr George Wollman .............................................................785-4483 Dr. David H.Krinsky, DMD ....................................................785-2171 Edward Jones ......................................................................783-3046 Elisa's Restaurant ................................................................679-4805 Euphoria Psychedelic Gift Shop ...........................................781-4200 Executive Limousine ...........................................................826-8172 Family Fence .......................................................................783-4904 Finker Wellness ...................................................................765-3272 Furniture Gallery of L.I .........................................................308-7041 Garfinkel Family Chiropractic ...............................................783-8300 Gary Marc Designs ..............................................................680-0144 Gennaro Jewelers ................................................................785-0134 Gerard H. Menzies, DMD, PC ..............................................783-7151 Giovanni Caboto Lodge #2372 ............................................390-7199 Hair Effex .............................................................................221-2022 Have You Heard?..................................................................409-0283 Healing Grotto ......................................................................221-7258 Hillside-Lane Electric............................................................221-7074 Holzhauer Plumbing & Heating............................................858-0268 Hotfixqueen..........................................................................308-7575 Inch by Inch Childcare Center...............................................783-3636 Income Tax Plus...................................................................785-3046 Incredible Feets of Bellmore..................................................826-Feet Indigo House Interiors ..........................................................660-1124 Inner-Circle Debt Solutions...................................................804-5867 Island Federal Credit Union..........................................(631) 851-1100 Island Greenery....................................................................785-0349 Island Wide Speech..............................................................415-2751 Jam Dance & Fitness Center.................................................781-5090 Jerrys Auto Center................................................................785-8400 K.B Bicycle, Repair & Sales..................................................826-0457 Kaizen Centre for Health and Wellness.................................781-9555 Keen Insites Internet Services..............................................205-4114 Keith B. Annapolen DDS P.C.................................................826-7272 Kenco Designs, Inc...............................................................785-8866 Komo Asian Cuisine..............................................................781-1899 Kona Ice of LI South Shore...................................................342-5757 ... ............826-1100 ... Law Office of Cheryl Kitton....................................................826-1100

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores (516)679-1875 | 2700 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 www.bellmorechamber.com | info@bellmorechamber.com


VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

Your NewsMag

SHOP THE BEST!! SHOP THE BELLMORES!!! The Chamber of the Commerce of the Bellmores Livingston Foot Care Specialists...........................................826-0103 Lone Wolf Tattoo....................................................................221-9085 Long Island Crisis Center/ Pride for Youth.............................826-0244 Long Island Family & Elder Care Trading Post.....................826-4483 Mary Kay Cosmetics- Nekki L...............................................781-2629 Mary Kay Cosmetics- Tatiana M...........................................499-1838 Massage By Sharon.............................................................783-4102 Maui Wowi Smoothies & Catering.........................................521-4008 Medwell Spa and Yoga Studio..............................................755-5855 Metro Physical Therapy.........................................................745-8050 Meyerowitz & Meyerowitz Certified Public Accountants .......379-2770 Michael Berkenfeld DDS.......................................................221-6262 Moonflower Yoga...................................................................557-2206 Morning Rose Café...............................................................884-4588 Mr. Softee.............................................................................884-8419 Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, Inc....................781-2053 Newsday Media Group................................................(631) 843-3038 Nick Nanos Oriental Martial and Healing Arts.......................221-2503 North Bellmore Dental Associates P.C..................................221-2271 North Bellmore Public Library...............................................785-6260 Northwell Health...................................................................719-2418 Oak Chalet Inc......................................................................826-1700 Old Mill Nurseries.................................................................679-6228 Olga's Hair Design................................................................826-0139 Organize Me! of NY, LLC......................................................783-9084 Overview Computer Service LLC..........................................210-2000 Parts Authority, INC...............................................................221-5700 Party Train DJ's.....................................................................442-0971 Perfection Printing.................................................................221-4100 Phoenix Medical Billing & Consultant Services, Inc..............783-6692 Phountain............................................................................654-9400 Piccolo Ristorante................................................................679-8787 Polara & Co...........................................................................785-4141 Precision Pharmacy..............................................................785-4774 Red Dragon Karate...............................................................785-8800 Rendezvous Travel................................................................867-8747 Ridgewood Savings Bank.....................................................785-0385 Right Click Computer Solutions, Inc......................................665-9313 Rite Aid Pharmacy................................................................826-3100 Robert F. Schade, CPA, PC..................................................679-2495 Roslyn Savings Bank............................................................826-9100 S & M Concrete.....................................................................546-4976 Saf-T-Swim Bellmore ............................................................ 557-2114 Sal's Lunch Box ...................................................................263-0344 Sandra G Johnson, CPA, PC ................................................409-1120

Servpro of Bellmore/ Wantagh .............................................809-9600 Silverman & Associates .......................................................781-9700 Sklar, Hayman, Hirshfield & Kantor LLP ...............................826-4300 South Shore Art Center ........................................................679-7716 South Shore Country Day School & Camp ...........................785-3311 Specialty Rarities Inc ...........................................................826-4444 St. Francis Episcopal Church ...............................................679-1184 Stitch This Print That ............................................................308-3833 Tepper Marketing Promotional Products ..............................826-5067 The 3rd Rail .........................................................................590-7220 The Accounts Retrievable System, Inc .................................783-6566 The Bellmore Bean Cafe ......................................................804-4624 The Best Kept Secret ...........................................................581-7825 The Conneely Allstate Agency ..............................................781-7722 The Dirty Dawg ....................................................................785-2442 The First National Bank of Long Island ................................679-6200 The Fleischer Dental Group .................................................826-3520 The Geller Dental Group, P.C ...............................................785-4744 The Kiwanis Club of the Bellmores, Inc........ bellmorekiwanisclub.org The Pampered Chef - Sue N. ...............................................221-8241 Til Galvani Tax Preparation ..................................................409-6950 Umbertos of Bellmore ..........................................................409-1400 Urban Digital Solutions ........................................................620-5812 Village Auto ..........................................................................785-7763 Vintage Agency Inc ..............................................................781-1407 Vital Signs Plus Inc. .............................................................223-3080 VWVA Veterans ...................................................................946-2906 W.A.W Creative Construction ..............................................679-8393 W.C. Mepham High School Alumni Association ..................785-8230 Worldwide Puppies & Kittens ...............................................679-7880 Your NewsMag ....................................................................633-8590 Zagarino Realty ...................................................................785-0013

Save the Date: 31st Annual Bellmore Street Festival September 16 & 17

The Friday Night Car Show at the

Bellmore Train Station Starting Friday May 5 from 6-10pm (weather permitting)

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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 â„–7

Your NewsMag

Tax Caps Remain Below 3% in 2017-18 School Budgets

T

he Central High School District and its component elementary school districts – Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Merrick - were given more cap flexibility by the state in determining their budgets for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. While previous years’ budgets bottomed out for some at less than 2%, this year’s acceptable cap came in at a more generous 3.23% Still, the Bellmore-Merrick school districts exercised prudence in constructing their budgets. That the state offered $129 million more this year in state aid than last year had the districts using their portions toward keeping tax levies down. While the Central High School District received $25,378,452 in state aid over 2016-17’s $23,851,037, Superintendent John DiTommaso told Your NewsMag the $1,527,415 increase went toward bringing the tax levy down to under 3 %. $114, 124,635 in taxes needs to be raised on an estimated budget 2017-18 of $153,666,863. Dr. Joe Famularo said the Bellmore School District’s estimated budget would be $34,602,655, on a tax levy of 2.19%.

The state aid came in at a modest $74,000 more than last year, moving him to once again advocate for more school aid for all Long Island school districts. “Long Island provides 17% of all resources to the state, and gets back only 12% in state aid,� he said, adding that the other 83% of the state’s schools receive 88% of the balance of the aid. New York State Senator John Brooks agreed with Dr. Famularo, saying "While this [state] budget takes a step in the right direction, there is still more work to be done to achieve equity in education funding for Long Island.� Senator Brooks is campaigning to reform the system in which each school district in the state would be funded by the income tax generated from residents of that district, rather than funded through property taxes. He told Your NewsMag in an earlier interview he believes the returned aid to the districts would be more equitable in light of the cost factors associated with that district – and region. North Bellmore School District’s estimated budget will be $55,321,132, on a

tax levy increase of 2.18%. The district received $293,400 more in state aid than last year, all of which was applied to reducing the tax levy, a school spokesperson said. North Merrick’s school district will see an estimated budget of $31,389,464, of which $22,024,914 in taxes must be raised, or a 2.99% tax levy. Tom D. McDaid, assistant superintendent of business, said the original tax levy was near the cap maximum of 3.17%, but $6,981,067 in state aid helped reduce it to its 2.99% figure. Echoing the sentiment of Bellmore School District’s Dr. Famularo, Merrick School District’s Dr. Dominick Palma remarked in an email to Your NewsMag that “We are disappointed in the overall decrease in state aid for the 2017-18 school year. He maintained that while certain categories of aid increased, �the district is facing an overall decrease of $196,702, which equates to a 2.86% decrease from the 2016-17 school year.� Merrick schools will put forth an estimated budget of $49,277,857, with a tax levy of 1.77%.

Traffic Slowdowns from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m Expected on Sunrise Highway

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astbound traffic on Sunrise Highway from Baldwin to Bellmore during midnight hours could be hampered until the end of June due to continued inspection of over nine miles of aqueduct pipe beneath the highway. Two of three eastbound lanes are expected to be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, as workers open manholes to assess the equipment that has not been used in over 70 years. The inspection is part of the county’s Department of Public Works project to determine if the water pipe running under Sunrise Highway is fit enough to be used again to transport effluent from East Rockaway’s Bay Park sewage treatment plant to Wantagh’s Cedar Creek plant, for dispersion into the Atlantic Ocean.

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The aqueduct was the main source of drinking water for Brooklyn residents from ponds and reservoirs along Nassau County’s South Shore into Brooklyn. The aqueduct is now seen as a future savings for the county as past attempts to build an outflow pipe into the ocean at Bay Park have met with rejection because of cost. With no outflow pipe into the ocean, like there is at Cedar Creek, secondary treated sewage is dumped into the West Bay of the Western Bays and South Shore Estuary, preventing clamming and fish-spawning. The aqueduct project, should it be deemed viable, would eliminate dumping of hundreds of thousands of gallons of treated sewage daily into the West Bay.

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VOL.4 â„–7 | MAY 2017

Your NewsMag

The Louise Pitlake "Power Team" Over 62 Homes CI/UC So Far 2017! Over $42.6 Million Transaction Volume 2017!

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SCOUTING

Your NewsMag

MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

Scout Seeks to Place New Memorial in Bellmore Vets Park Donations from the community will guarantee a new placement

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hile his great grandfather served the country in World War II, his grandfather served in the Vietnam War and his father served in the Cold War, 16 year-old Life Scout John Benson III plans to memorialize those who came after those conflicts with a new war memorial stone at Bellmore’s Veterans Memorial Park in Bellmore This grassy patch adjacent the two shrubs will Village as part of his Eagle Scout Project. be home to a new monument As a Life Scout with Troop He trained in the bleakness of the frig192 at the Bellmore Presbyterian id Bering Sea, near the top of the world. Church, John, a sophomore at Mepham A skin tattoo on his arm bears the insigHigh School now taking an AP course nia of an Arctic Warrior. “The Soviet that keeps him studying all week when not involved in troop activity with Scout Union got the nuclear bomb, had become Communist” and thought it could leader Richard Czarnecki, joined his take over the world, said Benson Jr. Bedad at the memorial park to speak with gun in 1945, the Cold War ended in Your NewsMag and show precisely 1991, with the demolition of the Berlin where the new stone will be placed. Wall. Presently, stone memorials stand tall Benson Jr. told Your NewsMag he has to remember those that sacrificed their been in scouting since before 12 years lives in World War II, in the Korean War old, but never got a chance to become and in the Vietnamese conflict. Yet one an Eagle Scout because he joined the stone remains unveiled, John said: a military. stone to remember and honor those His son John developed the idea of a who toiled and sacrificed in the Cold memorial stone while having heard stoWar, in Desert Storm, and in the Iraqi ries from his father and of his forefaand Afghan conflicts. thers. Once John was sure of his vision, COLD WAR HEIGHTENED TENSIONS he approached Scout Leader Czarnecki Desert Storm, and the Iraqi and Afto develop plans and proposals. The ghan conflicts are clearly fresh in the plans, in turn, went to the church Scout minds of many Americans, as they committees, which gave their support. came into our homes through the teleHe went next to Veterans of Foreign vision nightly. But little is understood of Wars Post 2770 on Bedford Avenue, the Cold War, a war that was waged to where he garnered their support as well. protect our country from the Soviet John also approached and met with Union, now Russia. Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin “I joined the military when I was 17, King Sweeney, who told Your NewMag had my training and was stationed in in an email that "We are so fortunate in Fairbanks, Alaska,” remarked John the Town of Hempstead to have devoted Benson Jr., John’s father, who was in Boy Scouts like John Benson.” the Cold War. A cold, hard fact, “Our She said his Eagle Scout project would job was to protect the country from a clearly enhance the Memorial Park in nuclear invasion from the Soviet Bellmore with a new stone in memory Union over northern Canada,” he con- of those troops who fought in the Iraq tinued. War, Afghanistan, the [CONT. ON PAGE 21]


VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

Your NewsMag

DO YOU SUFFER FROM A PAINFUL BUNION? BY Dr. Leon Livingston, Dr. Douglas Livingston and their Associates at Livingston Foot Care Specialists.

Now there’s a new technologically advanced surgical procedure that will allow you to walk immediately after the procedure, with minimal down time, no crutches, no cast and early return to work. The surgeons at Livingston Foot Care Specialists have extensive training and experience in this technologically advanced procedure. A bunion is a poorly aligned big toe joint. The big toe may point toward the second toe causing a bump on the outside edge of the toe. This poorly aligned joint will lead to many complications including arthritis including inflammatory or degenerative forms, causing the protective cartilage that covers your big toe joint to deteriorate. This is why it is so important to treat your bunion deformity. Bunions are often caused by an inherited foot type, foot injuries, and certain deformities and can be exacerbated by high heels or ill-fitting shoes. This may lead to swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint, thickening of the skin at the base of the big toe, corns or calluses, pain, and restricted movement of the big toe. By pushing the big toe inward, a bunion can squeeze your other toes into abnormal positions. Over time, this crowding can lead to contractures of the other toes known as hammertoes. A bunion may be treated conservatively with such modalities as utilizing wider shoes with a higher toe box, paddings, strappings, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, custom molded foot orthotics, and injection therapy, which can help alleviate the symptoms associated with a bunion. If these conservative modalities fail to resolve the symptoms then surgical management is an option and the new technology available today can fix this condition with minimal down time and early return to work. The Board Certified podiatrists at Livingston Foot Care Specialists treat all foot conditions from the simple corn to total reconstructive foot surgery.

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Your NewsMag

MAY 2017 | VOL.4 â„–7


COVER STORY

VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

Your NewsMag

19

Spring Dining Opens Up Celebrate Mother’s Day at Your Favorite Location Cara Mia's outdoor patio

S

pring’s in full bloom and diners will be excited once again to get out and into milder weather to discover – and indeed indulge - in the newest and latest creations from all the well-known local chefs. Not only are there new restaurant designs and motifs for the new season – check out Rachel’s in Freeport’s new interior - and tasty new menus to rev up the palates, such as Anchor Down’s new spring menu, but there are new restaurants on the cuisine landscape this year, both locally and in nearby neighborhoods.

NEW EATERIES IN TOWN Several new eateries and shops have emerged around the neighborhoods since Your NewsMag last curled up in summer with a tasty dish to detail the experience. Don’t be fooled by the modest size or layout of Cuoppo, a southern Italian eatery now preparing to

open in the Vanilla Sky strip mall at 2261 Merrick Road in Merrick. Chefs will be cooking up orders of pasta, chicken marsala and a host of other southern (Napoli) specialties to go or to stay – but no pizza! Featuring a distinctive full-window storefront, it is actually a garage door that can open up in summer or when the weather is suitable to give the feeling of dining outdoors. According to the restaurant’s website, the “Cuoppo Napoletano is a humble dish from Naples, a masterpiece of street food and a delicious taste of Italian tradition.” The “Cuoppo,” as it is known, is a paper cone that holds a full mix of deep fried foods in which the flavors blend and fuse together to create distinctive tastes. Full dinners served on plates and hot heroes are also on the menu, as are plentiful salads. Jersey Mike’s Subs, coming to 2756 Sunrise Highway a few doors down from Rite-Aid in the King Kullen shopping center in Bellmore, will offer up fast-food sandwiches and other treats. An area supervisor tells Your NewsMag Jersey Mike’s will cut fresh meats made to order in front of the customer, and will offer several features, such as personal box

lunches, subs by the box and an assortment of salads as well as sweets. It will also offer an assortment of cheese steaks, wraps and kids meals. Korea Spoon, at 2785 Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore, opened up in December and is catching its first breath of spring. Taking over three-quarters of the space of a vegetable stand that stood at the location for years, the spacious eatery is spot for takeout or to sit down. Patrons place their orders and then sit down to await their meals. Yul, a member of the family that operates the restaurant, said Korean food may be more pungent than other Asian cuisines because of the fermentation process. “The soul of Korean food is its fermentation, which helps to bring up the level of flavor.” Several meats are also marinated. He called Korean food the “art of fermentation,” because properly fermenting the ingredients brings out healthy probiotics. A regular customer told Your NewsMag that fried rice is not the same as in other Asian dishes. Yul answered that fried rice is cooked in butter rather than

Villa D'Aqua oil and water, which significantly changes the texture of the rice. Appetizers such as scallion pancakes and spicy Korean chicken wings are introductions into entrees such as barbecued beef and chicken, and stews made of tofi and chicken. Several noodle dishes with chicken and beef are also on the menu. Chef Stephen Rosenbluth of the noted Anchor Down on Bayberry Avenue in Merrick tells Your NewsMag that he will open a second restaurant in Seaford, taking over the Parkside Café at 2479 Adler Court as a sub leaser and managing partner. Renaming it Cardoon Mediterranean, the restaurant will feature vegetarian dishes, fish and meats with “Mediterranean accents.” Cardoon means “vegetable.” Rosenbluth says he is able to expand into a second location thanks to his patrons at Anchor Down, who have patronized the restaurant. “I see a lot of happy people coming into [CONT. ON PAGE 20]

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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

Your NewsMag

SPRING DINING OPENS UP [CONT. FROM PAGE 19]

Anchor Down, and I wanted to get a spot directly on the water” to carry the dining experience forward for many of them, he continued. He hopes to have the restaurant open by Memorial Day. Café Decatur, within the Nawlin’s restaurant on Freeport’s Nautical Mile, models itself after the famed Café DuMonde in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Cafe Du Monde is a traditional coffee shop in which the menu includes dark roasted coffee and chicory, beignets, regular and chocolate milk, and fresh squeezed orange juice. The coffee is served black or au lait, au lait being a mixture of half and half with hot milk. Beignets are square French-style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar. Soon to open, The Café Decatur will serve fresh beignets, pecan pie and cafe au lait, all in a fashion similar to the Café DuMonde. BrewSa is a new family owned brewery on the Nautical Mile. As a total drink-

ing establishment, it claims to be 100% American owned, 100% American made and gives 35% of its profits to Veterans charities. Featured is a "Flight" sampling four different beers, which has brought back patrons for more. “The beers are cold” said one particular fan of the Cherry Wheat. “The name describes the beer quite well,” he noted. BrewSa also sells beer to take home, but no food. It has park bench style seating inside. The beer will be featured at Jones Beach Theatre Summer Concert Series this summer.

NEW MENUS SALT [Sea And Land Together] at 3100 Whaleneck Road in Merrick is boasting a new chef and a new menu for this season. Gone are the chicken and waffles, for example, and in is a

whole new array of dinner choices. New Executive Chef Massimo Fedozzi prepares more classic traditional dishes for dinner, such as halibut, Australian rack of lamb, chicken, swordfish, braised short rib and Chilean sea bass, for example. Still on the menu are the popular fish tacos, using tilapia now rather than cod; charred broccoli, cauliflower fritters and crispy brussel sprouts. There will entertainment almost daily on the spacious deck of the restaurant, which overlooks Merrick Bay and is now open for spring diners - and for Mother's Day. Nawlins on Freeport’s Nautical Mile is offering some new surprises to its menu this spring, including alligator tacos, Red Neck nachos, cedar grit pulled pork, fried chicken waffles and fried lobster waffles - in addition to the favorites from last year. Live jazz and blues music can be heard five nights a week at Nawlins’ and docking is available to come by boat. Anchor Down is bringing some zest to its popular menu, in the form of Caribbean and Cajun influences, as well as some new light American fare. Included are the fish tacos of crispy

cod, avocado, pickled onion, corn, black bean, salsa and cilantro lime aioli. In addition, there are the lobster rolls and fried whole belly clams and Ipswich clams, plus new fun spring cocktails. Celebrating its third anniversary, the restaurant is working to get the patio ready to open.

MOTHERS DAY Anchor Down is already planning for a Mother's Day Brunch, which will include a brunch/lunch menu for $52, with an up-charge to the lobster or soft shell crab options. Rachel’s Waterside Grill on the Nautical Mile is also boasting a new décor for spring while it has added new new items to its menu. Attractive at the moment, however, is its Mother’s Day Brunch. The brunch, which will be at the Freeport Yacht Club, will include a Bloody Mary or Mimosa, shrimp cocktail, mussels, an omelet station, salads, waffles, hot and cold items and more for $35 per person, and $15 for kids under 12. The sounds of jazz will elevate the mood during the brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. With a party of 10 or more, mom is free. Meanwhile, for those who prefer din-

ner over a buffet, Mother's Day dinner will also be available at Rachel's from 1-8 p.m. At Villa D’Aqua, 2565 Bellmore Avenue in Bellmore, Mother’s Day will be filled with special traditional Italian dishes, as diners sit out on the patio overlooking the canal and “manga.” Antipastis such as mozzarella, fried calamari and Portobello mushroom ,and salads including insalata trevisana will lead into select Northern Italian delights, such as pollo scarpariello and scaloppini saltamboca, shrimp diavolo and zuppa di pesce. Pork chops, lampadina alla griglia and filet mignon are all there for the asking. Pastas such as Linguine con vongole and rigatoni di teri round out the sumptuous menu. Mother may wish to top off her lovely afternoon dining experience with a sorbet, cheesecake or tiramisu. Margarita’s will hold sway on Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day with celebrations that will include a live mariachi band at select locations. Whatever your tastes, culinary interests or indulgences, spring dining will surely help get the new season on the right track.

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VOL.4 №7 | MAY 2017

SCOUT SEEKS TO PLACE NEW MEMORIAL IN BELLMORE VETS PARK [CONT. FROM PAGE 16]

Cold war and Desert Storm. “I look forward to the completion of this beautiful tribute that will honor the legacy of our soldiers for generations to come,” she said. John also approached a little known outfit called the Patriot Guard Riders, a band of brothers who volunteer their time to escort fallen soldiers to their interments in cemeteries. They gladly threw their support behind John III. “There are a lot of vets that have been looking for a memorial” to commemorate their sacrifices, especially on Memorial and Veterans Days, Scout Master Czarnecki remarked. “They are proud of the work he is doing on their behalf,” he said, along with the Scout troop.

RULES OF FUNDRAISING ENGAGEMENT Rules of engagement to develop and place a new war memorial at the park include fundraising, in which there can

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be no raffles or games of chance; and items sold, such as T-shirts, which have to be sold for that reason alone - to raise funds for the stone. Bake sales are planned, as are fundraising stations at supermarkets and other locations around Bellmore. “We need to raise $5500,” said John. The fundraising is off to a good start, he said, as a go fund me page at www.gofundme.com/2df53cak has already raised several hundred dollars. The deadline for fundraising will be the end of August, at which time production of the stone will be put in motion. “We already have a stonecutter, and have a textile manufacturer in Bellmore to supply T-shirts with special lettering on them” to sell, said John. Perennial flowers will be placed within a small boxed garden, to accentuate the stone. The plan is to unveil the new war memorial stone roughly one week before Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. “I want to introduce and place the stone into the park before Memorial Day, so that it will be there when veterans march on the park on Memorial Day,” John concluded. For information or to donate call 732-740-9036.

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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 №7

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Kennedy Carwash Cleans Up

Kennedy Cougars washed cars to raise funds for team lacrosse and the Robbie Rosen Foundation

In & Around … [CONT. FROM PAGE 11]

STUDENT RECOGNITION NIGHT: One graduating senior from each of the high schools -- Calhoun, Kennedy, Mepham - and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program will receive a coveted award from Merrick Kiwanis at Gino’s in Bellmore, Tuesday, May 9, beginning at 7 p.m. As the club's longest running project, each honoree will be introduced by their respective principal, who will explain why this student was selected above all the rest. The students will each speak about what they have done during their high school years, and their plans for the future. CHSD Superintendent John DeTomasso will also be at the presentation and will speak. Gino’s is at the corner of Jerusalem Avenue and Peapond Road in North Bellmore. For information contact Linda Susman, Student Recognition Chair, at 379-3730 … STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: The annual Strawberry Festival, sponsored by the Bellmore Ki-

wanis and Bellmore Lions Clubs, will be held again this year on Thursday, June 1, through Sunday, June 4, at the Jerusalem Avenue School field. Come for the fun of it and to sample all the rides while being treated to among the best-made strawberry shortcakes and other strawberry desserts and delights. Local bands will also be in top form to provide live entertainment all day … CAR SHOW: The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores’ annual Friday Night Car Show revvs up for the season starting tomorrow, Friday, May 5, beginning at 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Come see some of Long Island’s finest roadsters and hot rods of all makes and years on display … 100TH ANNIVERSARY: St. John’s Lutheran Church at 1 Van Roo Avenue in Merrick will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an Anniversary Luncheon beginning at noon on Sunday, May 21. The High Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Long Island will be the honored speaker. The luncheon follows regular 10 a.m. services at the church. More events are expected.


VOL.4 â„–7 | MAY 2017

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MAY 2017 | VOL.4 â„–7

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